Brazosport ISD Board Highlights

Extra Mile Award
The Board of Trustees recognized Hope Fellowship Church of Lake Jackson for their generous donation of two new laptop computers to the Lighthouse Learning Center for use in the Student Accelerated Instruction & Learning (SAIL) Program. In assisting the Board with the presentation, Stuart Dornburg, Executive Director of Administrative Services, added that Hope Fellowship Church has also volunteered to provide individuals from their church to assist in tutoring students at the Lighthouse Learning Center during the 2007-2008 school year.

The Board also presented an Extra Mile Award to Brazosport College for their long-standing, collaborative partnership with the District. Mr. Dornburg recognized the following Brazosport College officials in attendance:

Mr. Dornburg explained that the District’s partnership with the College provides many resources, programs, and courses that benefit students; noting that the dual and concurrent enrollment program alone offers approximately thirty course selections for students. Other collaborative activities include; the K-14 Initiative (assists high school students transitioning to college), vocational advanced training, and shared funding of staff. Superintendent Ripple and Board members expressed their appreciation for Brazosport College’s cooperation and support.

Resolution Supporting College Bond Referendum
The Board of Trustees approved a resolution in support of the College’s “Master Plan” and associated bond referendum on November 6, 2007. The resolution states, in part, that, “the Master Plan includes the development of a Science Technology Corridor to support the expansion of Health Professions, Industry Operations, Physical and Life Sciences, and Construction Technology programs… and includes classrooms, event space, student resources, and expanding library offerings necessary for new baccalaureate degree offerings and university transfer classes.” The resolution further states that, “Brazosport Independent School District supports Brazosport College in its efforts to seek voter approval for the bond referendum… and encourages this same support throughout the community.”

Special Education Advisory Committee
The Board of Trustees approved membership in the Special Education Advisory Committee for the current year. The Committee provides suggestions, guidance, and recommendations concerning an appropriate education for each student with a disability, and assists in reporting and sharing information about the District’s special education programs. Members are appointed by the Board annually from nominations received by the Superintendent, and consist of representatives from the District’s instruction and support services, at least one parent of a child with a disability, at least one student and patron with a disability, a regular classroom teacher, a special education teacher, and other representatives concerned with the disabled. Board member, Ron Damian, will continue to serve as a member of the Special Education Advisory Committee for the upcoming year.

2007-2008 District and Campus Performance Objectives
Executive Director of Curriculum and Accountability, Becky Rinehart, presented recommended district and campus performance objectives for 2007-2008. Mrs. Rinehart explained that the required performance objectives were developed as part of the district/campus planning process, with particular emphasis given to state and federal accountability. Mrs. Rinehart began her presentation by reviewing state accountability ratings for the District and for each campus and announced that the District and all campuses met federal “AYP” standards for 2006-2007. Mrs. Rinehart continued by reviewing the District’s performance on advanced indicators, including SAT and ACT scores and advanced placement examinations. Mrs. Rinehart next reviewed district and campus goals and objectives for 2007-2008 and associated campus and administrative activities in support of the goals and objectives. The three major goals for 2007-2008 (unchanged from 2006-2007) are as follows:

Mrs. Rinehart concluded her presentation by stating that the major focus for 2007-2008 will be improving math and science scores and increasing the completion rate. Following Mrs. Rinehart’s presentation, the Board voted unanimously to approve the recommended district and campus performance objectives for 2007-2008.

Graduation/Completion Rates
Becky Rinehart, Executive Director of Curriculum and Accountability, led a presentation to the Board of Trustees regarding graduation/completion rates. Mrs. Rinehart began the presentation by explaining that the term “graduation rate” is used for AYP accountability and “completion rate” is used for state accountability, and by explaining the differences between the two. Mrs. Rinehart continued by reviewing graduation and completion rates for the Classes of 2005 and 2006 and with a review of district/campus plans for increasing graduation/completion rates. Following Mrs. Rinehart’s presentation, Brazosport High School Principal, Gary Jones; Brazoswood High School Principal, Steve Snell; and Lighthouse Learning Center Principal, Mike Hall; presented specific graduation/completion rate accountability plans for each of their respective campuses. Following the presentation, Superintendent Ripple and President Luce thanked the presenters for their presentations and the principals and their staffs for developing the accountability plans.